There is no arguing for the fact that Nepal is one of the hotspot destinations for trekking in the world. Millions pave their way towards this peacefully settled country in the lap of Himalayas to ultimately observe and immerse in its staggering beauty. With the wide variety of options to embark on your vacation destination as convenient, travelers of all ages and capabilities visit Nepal for an attempt to trek in the incredible Himalayan foothills. This time you will move towards one of the enticing villages of Annapurna foothills. Along with the drastic showcase of nature’s beauty, the trail is unique and takes you along off the beaten track, where you can observe the quaint lifestyle and traditional practices of people. 

Dhampus Sarangkot trek is a short and trouble free trekking route that offers the travellers with excellent panoramic view of Annapurna Himalayan Range including the mighty Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre / Fishtail (6,993m), Annapurna II (7,930m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), LamjungHimal (6,983m), Annapurna South (7,219m) and many other dazzling white mountains.  The beautiful village of Dhampus is mostly inhabited by the Gurung community and is also one of the gateways for the Annapurna Base Camp trek and Mardi Himal Trek.  This short trek also offers breathtaking sunrise views from Sarangkot which is one of the top 5 places to witness sunrise when in Nepal.

About the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

The Dhampus Sarangkot trekking trail begins from Hyangja. The trail passes through diverse landscapes and terraced fields to Dhampus where we will spend a night. Dhampus is a village mostly inhabited by Gurung people that offers magnificent views of the Annapurna Himalaya Range and Machhapuchhre. The next day we trek towards Sarangkot crossing a bridge over GhatteKhola River. After your lunch at Kaskikot we climb up a hill and enter the Kaskikot- Sarangkot hiking trail which offers magnificent views of Pokhara city and Phewa Lake with many paragliders flying above us. We witness the glorious sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range the next morning and start a downhill trek to Lakeside, Pokhara. There is also an option of paragliding down to Lakeside if you are interested. 

About Dhampus Village

Dhampus village is a small and quiet settlement nestled against the incredible snow-capped mountains and verdant hills. In recent times, the village has become quite popular as one of the rewarding short treks in Nepal, referred to as “Dhampus Trek.”Located in Kaski District of Nepal, Dhampus is a culturally rich village mostly inhabited by Gurung ethnicity. What acts more as an attraction of Dhampus Village is, it is located in the foothills of famous, Annapurna Himalayas and its 1,750 meters elevation above sea level, known for stunning mountain views.It’s obvious, rich, and defined natural beauty drapes a strong culture, and the unreserved hospitality of Nepali people has made Dhampus trek a remarkable trip.

Weather of Dhampus is quite favorable for trekking throughout the year. Dhampus weather is mild and generally warm and temperate. You will witness the maximum temperature during April and May, while the lowest is during December and January. Rainfall is highest in July with an average of 956 mm, and the lowest is in November with an average of 3 mm. The average annual temperature of Dhampus is around 16-degree Celsius.

Dhampus  Sarangkot Trek is a short journey, typically going for classic two-days. There are many things to explore during the trek that is just in the vicinity of Dhampus Village. Well, you can certainly take a chance to extend a day or two and have the best confined days. The View Tower is closely located to Dhampus Village and a must-visit place to witness the unobstructed view of mountains, including some tallest in the world, along with breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

About Sarangkot

Sarangkot is, without a doubt, home to the best views of the Annapurna range. From the viewpoint, you’re afforded uninterrupted, panoramic views across a number of the most striking Himalayan peaks, including the imposing Dhaulagiri (8167m), the triangle peak of Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II and Lamjung.  The light show here is incredible, as the peaks turn from bright pink, to orange, and finally white.   There are a number of chai stalls and tea houses just near the viewpoint which serve fresh tea or coffee, perfect for the post-euphoria come down. To get to Sarangkot viewpoint, you can hire a taxi to take you to the lookout point , or hire a scooter in Pokhara and follow the signs to Sarangkot. 

Day 1 Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu Valley

The journey starts from the Kathmandu valley from where the bus ride of about 5 to 6 hours. It will take you to the beautiful city of Pokhara. Through this ride travellers can enjoy the scenic views of beautiful river valleys, alongside terraced fields of barley and rice and over green hills blanketed with lush vegetation. When you arrive at the Pokhara valley there you will witness the beautiful lakes, hills and mountain ranges. The travellers will enjoy the evening here and stay here for a night.  

 Day 2 Drive to Hyangja from Pokhara and Trek to Dhampus

Your Dhampus trekking begins from Pokhara with a drive towards Hyangja. From Melbot you will begin to trek into the forests in a wide trail. From the very beginning of the trek you will have frequent views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. The trek then takes left leaving the wide road and into the narrow uphill path. You will then appear at the ridge from where you will trek further ahead to Astam where you will have your lunch. You will then descend a bit to join the wide trail once again. Moreover, You will then enter a magar village leaving the main trail behind for a while. You will finally reach Dhampus passing a local school on your way.

Astam is another beautiful village near Dhampus which takes around 4 hours of hiking. Astam, which translates as Sunset Village is at an elevation of 1,400 meters and just as its name meaning. Moreover, the village offers an unprecedented view of the surrounding area. The hike is a pleasing walk through the delightful forest and traditional and old houses, some dating back to even 100 years. It is an easy walk with no difficulty and challenge whatsoever. You will pass through houses where men and women are involved in their daily chores and are quite interesting to watch.  In ancient times, these villages were referred as Dhampuskot and Astamkot. And while hiking towards Astam, there are two more kots; Hemzakot and Jaykot, which were used for storing weapons during Baise and Chaubise Rajyas (Rulers).

Day 3 Trek to Sarangkot

You will have to wake early to catch sunrise over the entire Annapurna Range. However, one of the best sunrise view points still awaits you in Sarangkot. You will begin your day after breakfast. The first part of the trail is a gradual walk on the same trail you used yesterday. After 10 minutes of walking you will change your trail towards Sarangkot. And then taking a right followed by a descent to Ghatte Khola. After crossing the river on a suspension bridge you will begin to ascend towards Naudanda. From Naudanda you will enter the Naudanda. Sarangkot hiking trail that continuously goes on the top of the hill with wonderful views. You will get off the hill on the place called Kaskikot for lunch. 

Day 4 Trek to Pokhara

You will take a short hike in the morning up to the viewpoint to witness. Similarly, one of the best Himalayan sunrises with the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range. After spending some time at the view point you will return back to the tea house for breakfast. After breakfast you will begin to hike towards Pokhara city. The trail today is mostly downhill which joins the main roads of Pokhara near the lakeside. Finally, your Dhampus Trek comes to an end. 

Day 5 Drive to Kathmandu valley from Pokhara

It is time to bid farewell to the Pokhara valley and take a bus ride back to the Kathmandu valley. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, river valleys and clear sky through the window of the bus before reaching the city.